JACKSONVILLE  Jimmy Smith cleared his throat, finished his sentence and then bowed his head and started to cry.

One of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, Smith found himself in another rough spot Thursday. But just like he has done so many times before in his career, he regrouped and moved on without hesitation.

A five-time Pro Bowl selection who overcame several health problems and a drug addiction during his 13 seasons, Smith abruptly retired Thursday to "move on to the next phase of my life."

"It's hard because I know I can still go out there and do it," Smith said. "I just figure it's not in my heart to (continue). If I'm going to play, it's got to be 100%. I won't get out there and not give it my all. If I can't give it my all to this organization and the fans, I'm just not going to do that. This is just not the type of person that I am.

"It's best for me to leave on a high note. I want to be able to enjoy my legacy."

The 37-year-old receiver led the Jags with 70 catches for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns last season. It was his ninth season with at least 70 receptions and 1,000 yards.

Although overshadowed because he played most of his career in small-market Jacksonville, Smith ranks seventh in NFL history with 862 receptions and 11th with 12,287 yards receiving. He has more receptions than every receiver in the Hall of Fame, and only Marvin Harrison has more catches and yards receiving than Smith since 1996.

Flanked by his wife and team owner Wayne Weaver, Smith said he contemplated retirement in January but was talked into playing another year by friends and teammates. But with training camp on the horizon, Smith had a change of heart.

He said he approached Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio with the news last week. Del Rio asked him to take his time and be sure he was making the right choice. Smith called Del Rio again Wednesday night to confirm his decision. His announcement came a day before the team opened a three-day minicamp.

"I thought I had another year in me," said Smith, who has four children. "I've been struggling with whether I should play an extra year or leave while I can still walk away, while my knees are still intact.

"It's best to leave on top. Not many players in the NFL get a chance to do what I'm doing today and walk away from the game happy. I can live the rest of my life happy."

Smith's longevity was surprising — even to him — especially considering what he overcame.

In 2001, he had three operations to remove scar tissue from his abdomen. Some questioned whether he would play again, but he caught 112 passes for 1,373 yards — despite being arrested in November that year for suspicion of drunken driving. Tests later revealed he had cocaine in his system. He vehemently denied using the drug.

He was suspended for the first four games of the 2003 season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He then publicly acknowledged an addiction and spent several weeks in rehab.

Smith said Thursday that his retirement had nothing to do with another failed drug test, which would have subjected him to another suspension.

"I've been playing 37 years," he said. "It is time for me to retire. I'm tired, so leave it at that."

He had other issues early in his career, too.

The third receiver selected in the 1992 draft behind Desmond Howard and Carl Pickens, Smith broke his leg and missed most of his rookie season. In 1993, he needed an emergency appendectomy and suffered through infection and stomach problems. He missed the entire year. He didn't play in 1994, either, after getting cut by Dallas and Philadelphia.

In 1995, he caught on with the expansion Jaguars after his mother sent coach Tom Coughlin a binder of press clippings to help him earn a tryout.

"We were, in effect, giving him his third and probably last chance in the National Football League," Coughlin said Thursday.

Smith made the most of it, teaming with Keenan McCardell to help land the Jaguars in the playoffs in only their second season and eventually setting records that could be hard to break.

"He became the most physical receiver in the NFL and could run by anybody," said Tony Boselli, one of many former teammates on hand for Smith's retirement.

"I hate to see him leaving the game when he's still in his prime," McCardell said. "I still think he can really help the Jaguars, but I respect his decision to walk away when he's on top. ... He just felt like it was enough, so I respect that."

Reaction from around the league

News of Smith's retirement prompted much reaction throughout the NFL community. A sampling:

"I tried to call him last night and talk him out of it. I finally talked to him and he said he didn't want to return my calls because he knew I would try to convince him to stay. It has been nothing but a pleasure to play with Jimmy. I respect his decision. He was our veteran receiver so now the younger guys will have to fill that void."

— Jaguars running back Fred Taylor

"We were, in effect, giving him his third and probably last chance in the NFL. He was a humble athlete who was very respectful of the game, of his coaching staff and the opportunity. I think of two guys that were very instrumental in him getting a chance and taking advantage of it were Ron Hill, who was the director of pro personnel at the time, and Pete Carmichael, who worked with me as the wide receivers coach. Pete kept saying to me, 'There is something about this kid, there is something about this kid.'

"Jimmy didn't do very well when he first got there. If it wasn't for the strength of his mother and father and his wife, Sandra, I really don't know if he would have fought his way through the difficulties of making an expansion team. But he did. And to his credit he just got better and better and better."

"I'm definitely one of his biggest fans. I know he's made plenty of them in Jacksonville for not only what he's done on the football field, but in the community, too. It's just great to see somebody finish the way he finished. From me and him sitting in a hotel room in Seattle, trying to find a job, Jacksonville's first year of existence. He said, 'I think I'm going to Jacksonville.' I was kind of envious of him that he had an option. I didn't know if I had too many options. He went down there and made the best of it. He's definitely one guy that I tell my young guys to watch and say, 'Do you want to learn how to run some routes? Watch this guy's footwork.' Against us, I just didn't want him to do too much damage. I wish someone had called me to say that he was going to have a press conference. I would have gone. That's how much he's meant to my career."

— Denver Broncos receiver Rod Smith

"When he came and worked out for the Jaguars, his mom had him bring a book of press clippings to give the position coach. He had all the highlights and articles of everything he'd done. Now to look at it and think about what he's done, that's a great accomplishment. He's probably one of the most underrated receivers in the league. The only reason for that is because he plays in a small market. It's not because of his ability. People around the country don't know a lot about him because he's in Jacksonville. If he were in New York or somewhere like that, a big media market, he'd be huge."

"Retirement? No way. Not yet. He's smooth, still one of the best in the game. When I came into the league, he was one of the guys my coaches told me to watch. Especially for route-running. And I remember talking to him after we played the Jaguars. I think I was in my second year. He told me I could be real good if I kept working, and that meant a lot to me. I definitely consider his example as a big part of my development."

— Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson

"Jimmy might not have the national recognition of Jerry Rice at the wide receiver position, but every defensive back that has played in the 1990s to current, and every defensive coach in the league knows exactly who he is. He will go down in history as one of the best."

— Former all-pro cornerback Deion Sanders

"Jimmy is the best receiver I've been around. He is the total team player and his teammates always knew he would be there for them. I always admired his work ethic, dedication to his family and the community, and his approach to the game. He's a great football player and an even better person. It was an honor for me to be on the same field with him. … We really grew up together as NFL players in Jacksonville. He really was instrumental in establishing that franchise."

"Jimmy Smith is the toughest wide receiver I've faced. He just works so hard and plays the game with so much intensity that he's difficult to stop."

— Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey

"The ultimate receiver with the perfect personality to complement it. You look at Jimmy Smith and no other receiver does what he does. He has it all: size, strength, speed and hands. I have looked up to him since Day 1. He has encouraged me. I cherish my friendship with him and the times we have spent together at the Pro Bowl and other places. Once you get to know Jimmy Smith and talk with him, you realize he's a family man. It hurts me to see him leave even though I compete against him. He's the ultimate, point blank."

— Indianapolis Colts receiver Marvin Harrison

"We nicknamed him "J-Smooth" because he made everything look so easy. He was one of the most consistent players in the NFL, with his great combination of speed and power and elite route running ability. I loved competing against him because he always brought out the best in me. I will miss him as a competitor, and the league will miss him as a man. I wish him nothing but the best."

— Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister

"A tremendous example to young players in this league on how to come in and if you don't have success early, continue to work hard and build your career. He's a guy, in my opinion, that solidifies what an All-Pro is."

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks

"I hope he gets into the Hall of Fame. He is that caliber of a guy. I am happy that I have been able to play with him. He has allowed me to be a part of his team. When you think of the Jaguars, the first thing that comes to my mind is Jimmy. He has been to Pro Bowls and he bleeds teal."

— Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich

"The name 'Smooth' fits Jimmy perfectly. He might be old in age in terms of football, but he is still one of the fastest and smoothest guys running routes. I don't think you can cover the guy one-on-one. You can't do it even at his age. I'm happy for him and his family, but it hurts me to my heart to hear it. It's sad to know I won't get the chance to play with him anymore."

— Jaguars safety Deon Grant

The Associated Press, USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell and the Jacksonville Jaguars contributed to this report

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